Lunch with a friend recently revealed that he had never been outside the United States and had little desire to travel. “How different people are,” I thought, as I love to travel and have always made an effort to find my way to an airport. Indeed, travel is not easy—checking in, missing flights, security checks, luggage, seating arrangements, snacks at a cost—it takes effort, but the landing and the arrival are more often than not worth it.
An email arrives announcing a press junket to Cabo. A term not heard much anymore, “press junket” once referred to an opportunity for journalists to interview celebrities for an upcoming film. It could also be an invitation to visit a particular hotel, property, or event. For the record, I have been on many junkets, most notably to Egypt and the Maldives. This particular press trip was to visit a resort located on the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula—Cabo San Lucas. From Los Angeles, this is a less-than-three-hour flight.
Cabo is known for a few things: a vibrant nightlife, the Arch of Cabo San Lucas (the iconic arch-shaped rock formation located at Land’s End), and as a port of call for large cruise ships. It is a tourist destination, as are Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Tulum, and, most recently, to the north, Holbox.
From the Cabo airport, shuttles are frequent, and it is less than a half-hour drive to the heart of Cabo. The veil lifts as Highway 1 comes into view—here, the Gulf of California meets the Pacific. Connecting San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas is the Tourist Corridor, a 33-kilometer (20-mile) four-lane highway surrounded by stunning views of both the desert and the coastline of the Sea of Cortez. And here we find Mar del Cabo by Velas Resorts. This is but one of the three Velas Resorts that all sit next to one another. To the right is the Grand Velas Los Cabos, a luxury all-inclusive resort. A short walk to the left is the Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos.
Our stay is at Mar Del Cabo, a boutique hotel catering to adults only, with a pet-friendly crowd. All three are designed by Ricardo Elias, principal of Elias and Elias Architects in Guadalajara. The three hotels could not be more different—Del Cabo exudes old-world charm with lush entryways and a sloping sidewalk to the sea. The Grand Velas Los Cabos has an entrance that is dramatic, stylized, and cinematic.
For this junket, we are joined by fellow travel writers—it is a good group: diverse, informative, and friendly. We are staying at Mar Del Cabo by Velas Resorts, a triptych of hotels, all unique and vastly different. Mar Del Cabo is a boutique hotel—it feels intimate and organic to the region. The hotel, Mar del Cabo, is a stylish adaptation of a classic boutique hotel, designed to captivate and comfort with its unassuming and pleasing minimalism. With 46 one- and two-bedroom suites, two penthouses which have king or two queen-size beds; kitchenettes with a coffee maker and microwave oven; terraces with a sitting area, separate living areas with a sofa, a bathroom-width step-in rain shower, and daily turndown service. The restaurant, Encanto Farm & Sea, showcases the local and fresh flavors of Baja California in a unique seaside chic ambiance less than 50 yards from the ocean’s edge. Two bars, spa services, a sleek and sensual oceanfront pool, as well as outdoor spaces to hold private events, complete Mar del Cabo.
It was our first day on the press trip, and we headed off to Todos Santos with Cabo Adventure with our loquacious driver, Marcello. It is a 47-minute drive north on Highway 19. Marcello informs us that in Todos Santos we will find the Hotel California—the hotel behind the famous Eagles’ song. He alludes to “colitas,” which in Spanish is the flowering bud of the cannabis plant, as proof of the song’s linkage to Mexico.
All of which is conjecture—there is no evidence any of the Eagles ever stayed at this particular hotel, but it is a fun storyline nonetheless. Todos Santos is a magical and mysterious place. There is a large bazaar which belongs to the designer Rouss Ramírez. In the bazaar, you can discover the objects that Rouss has found on her travels through Mexico and around the world.
From there, we head back south towards Cabo and stopped at Cabo Adventures’ Camel Ranch. Here, we are treated to a vision straight out of Lawrence of Arabia—groups of people on dromedaries wearing shemaghs (headscarves). It is here that we learn a single-humped camel is called a dromedary—a camel with two humps is a Bactrian.
Lunch is enjoyed outdoors while in the distance we watch whales play along the Pacific.Later that night, the entire press group is treated to dinner at Encanto. It is Valentine’s Day, and the atmosphere at the restaurant is festive. Near the sea, with a small stage, a performer is singing love songs in English. It is our last night—the days have swept by. Tomorrow is the short flight back to Los Angeles.
I think of my friend and what is missed by not venturing beyond. I have been visiting Baja since I was a child. As a young teen, I went to the bullfights, and the dog races in Tijuana. I have slept on the beaches below Rosarito, been astonishingly drunk at Hussong’s Cantina in Ensenada, eaten lobster in Puerto Nuevo, and only recently, in the briefest of windows, come to Cabo on a “tender boat” from a large cruise ship and swam in the moody waters. For Californians, Mexico and Baja, in particular, hold a certain allure—proximity, cost, food, people, weather, and a coastline that rivals Italy. It is part desert, mountainous and almost always close to the ocean—A striking combination of cactus and palm trees that invite the traveller to experience the lower California known as Baja.
The locks—legend has it that if you write your names on the locks and leave them here at the
Bésame Mucho Bazaar, you will be together forever. Surreal artwork on display. The man who sweeps the Bazaar. Our guide, Marcello, gives us the heads up that its time to leave.
Immersive Education LLC Teams with Red Dot Digital Media to Create Immersive Viewing Experience in New Domed Theater on Catalina Island
If you didn’t know, there’s a small oasis off the California coast that makes for great weekends and day trips – Catalina Island. And every visitor to the island should be able to tell you that at the heart of it is a strong effort to highlight the environmental and ecological history, dangers, and fights that still go on today. Over the years, the island has faced and been subjected to whispers, rumors, and news of outlandish belief, such as the idea of opening an amusement park on it someday. Conservationists have done their best to educate and protect the largely undeveloped island and its surrounding waters, but a new installment could help pass the message along even further for not just Catalina Island, but the world.
Credit: Red Dot Digital Media
Spheres are all the rage these days, and Catalina Island just got its very own tiny and environmentally friendly sphere, with Red Dot Digital Media helping to bring it to life! The prominent specialist integrator within the digital signage sector, was commissioned by acclaimed underwater filmmaker Mark Davidson to provide a simple-to-operate media playback system for IMMERSED: Ocean Wonders, his innovative tourist attraction unveiled on Catalina Island. Mark not only filmed and produced the movie, but also designed and built the very dome that visitors gather in for their virtual dive. Nestled just 22 miles off Southern California’s coastline, Catalina Island serves as a favored day-trip and overnight destination, easily accessible via a swift one-hour high-speed ferry journey from the Los Angeles area.
Credit: Red Dot Digital Media
IMMERSED: Ocean Wonders offers a distinctive cinematic voyage, transporting visitors on a 30-minute virtual “dive” across the globe’s oceans. Spectators embark on a journey through Catalina’s verdant kelp forests, encountering a diverse array of marine life, including majestic whale sharks, soaring oceanic manta rays, inquisitive bull sharks, captivating bait balls, playful dolphins and sea lions, and even the rare dugong. Entirely filmed underwater in full 360-degree 8K resolution, the immersive experience projects footage onto a domed screen enveloping the audience, synchronized with contemporary music and informative narration for a truly captivating encounter.
Beyond providing educational entertainment, the theater’s operations contribute vital financial support to local ocean conservation initiatives. Immersive Education pledges to allocate 10 percent of the theater’s annual profits to the Marine Mammal Care Center, a regional nonprofit dedicated to responding to distressed seals and sea lions in Catalina’s waters.
Credit: Red Dot Digital Media
Mark Davidson, Founder & CEO of Immersive Education, expressed, “Our hope is that IMMERSED: Ocean Wonders will deepen visitors’ connection to our world’s oceans by giving them an underwater view that people rarely see, and by reinvesting a portion of our profits back into the local nonprofit community, we’re taking a tangible step to preserve this underwater beauty by protecting the animals that call these waters home.”
For the execution of the AV system powering IMMERSED: Ocean Wonders, Immersive Education enlisted the expertise of Red Dot Digital Media. Red Dot devised an interactive touch panel interface to manage movie playback and control, integrating a Bluefin touch panel with BrightSign Built-In technology employing UDP commands to trigger content through BrightSign’s BSN.Cloud player management platform. This user-friendly touch interface empowers staff with minimal technical training to initiate, pause, and resume movies on demand, or schedule predetermined screenings effortlessly.
“Given the remote location of the theater, it was essential to create a control system that is both easy to use and extremely reliable,” said Darryl Kuder, President, Red Dot Digital Media. “Using a Bluefin touch screen with BrightSign Built-In, we created a cost-effective, dead-simple operational workflow whereby daily staffers power up the projector and speakers, and with a single tap of the touchscreen they start the first show of the day. At closing time they simply power down the projector and speakers and lock-up.”
The design and construction of the theater were accomplished by domed projection specialists at Lumen & Forge in Las Vegas, completed on-site within a swift eight-day timeframe. The venue features a 576-square-foot wooden deck as its foundation, supporting a circular wood frame enveloped in all-weather vinyl adorned with underwater artwork from Catalina’s renowned Casino Point. Showtimes for IMMERSED: Ocean Wonders are available throughout the day, five days a week, with tickets and additional details accessible at https://akuario360.com/immersed/.
For further insights into Red Dot’s comprehensive array of content management and specialty integrator services, interested individuals can visit www.reddotdm.com.
About Red Dot Digital Media
Established in 2007, Red Dot Digital Media is a leading digital signage specialty integrator focused on global digital signage deployments, content design, programming and CMS integration. As a BrightSign Top 10 Global Preferred Partner, Red Dot has grown to become one of the top digital signage companies in the country and, in 2014, created a global team to support its international projects. For more information, visit www.reddotdm.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
About Immersive Education LLC
“Immersive Education LLC’s mission is to create immersive exhibits that generate wonder, spark curiosity, and instill a commitment to ocean conservation using cutting edge 360 degree filming technology. Our goal is not to bombard audiences with facts about what they are seeing, but to let them experience these magical moments in the same way that we did while filming them. Falling in love with the oceans is the first step to protecting our oceans.”
Netflix’s latest docu-series “The Program: Cons, Cults and Kidnapping” is making a huge splash. It hit #1 in USA and the UK the day after release, and currently holds the Top 5 spot on the global chart (3 days after release).
CAA screening with Q&A – Photo credit: Samantha Smart
It’s no surprise that so many viewers are captivated by this three-part docuseries because it’s shocking, disturbing, and utterly outrageous. Director, Katherine Kubler quickly pulls you deeper and deeper in as she attempts to make sense of what happened to her at 16 years of age. Armed with an inextinguishable sense of humor, Kubler examines and exposes the madness of the youth residential program at Ivy Ridge where she spent 15 months of her young life. This disciplinary boarding institution marketed itself at “helping troubled teenagers” but instead exploited desperate parents while unconscionably damaging the teens. No smiling, no looking out the window, no going outside, no talking, and even no farting without permission——these were just some of the near impossible rules that the kids were meant to follow in order to complete the program and be released. With the daily enforcement of brainwashing, abuse and all around mind-f*ckery, Kubler describes the Ivy Ridge staff as “trying to murder children’s souls”. Kubler knew she had to make this docu-series “because there really was nothing out there to help explain what had happened to me, to my friends and family, and to warn them about these places.”
As Kubler and other survivors relate their stories, the depth of cruelty is revealed, and we are confronted with the fact that similar programs are currently still in operation. It’s the responsibility of anyone who knows child abuse is happening to take action to stop it…and as Kubler tells you at the end of the final episode: “Now you know!”
File under good to know—this coming week, the Natural Products Expo will take place in Anaheim, CA. An event that really requires more than one day it is a look into the health food market and products that will be coming to the public soon. Like most conventions of this sort, one walks out with bags of swag—CBD products, vitamins, sports drinks and many, many more.
Informa Markets’ Natural Products Expo West is one of the largest trade shows in the natural, organic, and healthy products industry. Typically held annually in Anaheim, California, this expo attracts thousands of attendees from around the globe, including industry professionals, exhibitors, and media. It serves as a key platform for companies to showcase new products, innovations, and trends in the health and wellness space.
The expo’s history dates back to 1981 when it was first established. Over the years, it has grown significantly in size and influence, reflecting the growing consumer interest in natural and organic products. The event covers a wide range of product categories, including food and beverage, supplements, health and beauty, natural living, and pet products.
One of the main features of Expo West is its emphasis on education and networking. The event typically includes a variety of educational sessions, workshops, and keynote speeches by industry leaders, aimed at providing attendees with insights into market trends, regulatory issues, and sustainability practices. These sessions are designed to help industry professionals stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving market.
Sustainability and innovation are often key themes at the expo, with many exhibitors and speakers focusing on eco-friendly practices, organic farming, plant-based products, and other trends that cater to the growing consumer demand for products that are not only healthy but also environmentally responsible.
Expo West has also been known for its efforts to promote inclusivity and support for small businesses and startups. The event provides a platform for emerging brands to gain visibility, connect with retailers and distributors, and potentially scale their operations.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic saw the expo adapting to virtual formats, demonstrating the resilience and flexibility of the natural products community. As the industry continues to evolve, Natural Products Expo West remains a vital event for networking, innovation, and insight into the future of natural and organic products.
With Ash Wednesday behind us, seafood season is upon us and living on the West Coast comes with its perks. Where you take advantage of those perks matters, though.
Just in time, the beloved and iconic Little Dom’s Seafood –theseaside sister restaurant of LA’s Little Dom’s by Executive Chef and Co-Owner Brandon Boudet – wants everyone to know that their offerings are some of the most delectable around. The best part is that they aren’t just limited to seafood. For anyone with an allergy or who just isn’t feeling fishy, Little Dom’s Seafood offers a classic Pizza Margherita, Meatball Burger, Rice Balls, Fried Oyster Mushroom Po’Boy, and veggie-centric and vegan plates and salads, and much more!
Offering some of the freshest, locally sourced seafood dishes in Southern California (some even just 24 hours after they’ve been caught!), Little Dom’s Seafood is the ideal location for weeknight dinners, date nights, lunches, or weekend celebrations.
In addition to serving over 200-dozen oysters a week, a few of Little Dom’s Seafood’s best-selling seafood dishes include:
Albacore Pastrami with chive butter & Arugula on Housemade Stecca
Pay them a visit for your dietary needs and restrictions, for those special occasions, or just because! It’s always a good time at Little Dom’s, who have shown consistency and dedication over the years.
Little Dom’s Seafood is located at:
686 Linden Ave
Carpinteria, CA 93013
Learn more about Little Dom’s Seafood at their website.
Looking to spruce up the weekend activities and adventures as we head into Spring? As always in Southern California, there’s always something happening, something new, and more than can be achieved in a single weekend.
The latest opening comes in the form of dining, as Torrance’s multi-concept brewery and food experience, The Brews Hall, has launched a brand new concept: Umami Warrior. As of today, Friday, March 1, The Brews Hall’s fourth food concept under their roof features a hybrid of fan-favorite Japanese and Chinese dishes.
Setting The Brews Hall apart from other breweries in Southern California is its accessibility to enjoy a bowl of Tonkatsu Pork Ramen or made-to-order Orange Chicken alongside a craft beer from The Brews Hall’s extensive list of house-made brews. The Brews Hall is the ideal place to satisfy any craving that pops up throughout the week or weekend. Please see Umami’s Warrior’s menu outlined below:
Sunday, April 14 will be the last day to view “Peace is Radical,” a solo exhibition by renowned street artist and activist Shepard Fairey, presented by Glendale Library, Arts & Culture and ReflectSpace Gallery at the ReflectSpace Gallery, inside Glendale Central Library.”
Peace is Radical” addresses creative empowerment, the importance of democracy, race and gender equality, environmental justice and peace and harmony through artwork. This limited time exhibition offers over 20 pieces of work through the medium of screen printing, a style used to produce high-end art or multitudes of prints that can be disseminated liberally allowing access to all audiences. Well recognized founder of OBEY Clothing, Shepard Fairey has worked as a contemporary street artist, graphic designer and activist, changing the way people converse about art and view the urban landscape. Fairey has also designed a limited-edition library card for Glendale Library, Arts & Culture that will be available at all Glendale Library branches through the run of the exhibit, while supplies last.
Shepard Fairey holds up his limited edition library card for Glendale library.
As a contemporary street artist, graphic designer, activist, and founder of OBEY Clothing and creative agency, Fairey gained notoriety with the creation of the “Andre the Giant has a Posse” sticker that later evolved into the OBEY GIANT art campaign. In 2008, his portrait of then-Democratic candidate Barack Obama became an internationally recognized emblem of hope. He is known for the “We the People” campaign debuted during the 2017 Women’s Marches worldwide. Fairey has painted more than 135 public murals, becoming one of the most sought-after and provocative artists globally, changing the way people converse about art and view the urban landscape.
“Peace is Radical” will be on view from January 20, 2024, through April 14, 2024, at the ReflectSpace Gallery, inside Glendale Central Library located at 222 East Harvard, Glendale, CA. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, January 20, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM. ReflectSpace and PassageWay Galleries are curated by Ara and Anahid Oshagan. Free parking with validation is available at the Marketplace parking structure located directly across from the Harvard entrance of Central Library.
About the Artist
Shepard Fairey was born in Charleston, South Carolina. Fairey became passionate about art at an early age and went on to receive his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, Rhode Island. In 1989 he created the “Andre the Giant has a Posse” sticker that transformed into the OBEY GIANT art campaign, with imagery that has changed how people see art and the urban landscape.
Fairey’s stickers, guerilla street art presence, and public murals are recognizable globally. His works are in the permanent collections of the Boston Institute of Contemporary Art, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles, the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and many others.
Shepard Fairey has painted nearly 135 large-scale murals across six continents worldwide. More information from his career can be found at obeygiant.com.
Getting to the Glendale Central Library: 222 E Harvard St, Glendale, CA 91205
If you are a resident who is 65 years or older or a disabled resident who is registered with Dial-A-Ride, you can register to be dropped off at the library. For more information, visit GlendaleTransit.com.
Visitors can receive 3 hours of free parking across Harvard street at the Marketplace parking structure with validation at the service desk. Accessible parking is available on the east side of the building.
About ReflectSpace
ReflectSpace is curated by Ara and Anahid Oshagan and is an inclusive exhibition gallery designed to explore and reflect on social justice issues, human rights violations and genocides through the arts. Immersive in conception, ReflectSpace is a hybrid space that is both experiential and informative, employing art, technology, and interactive media to reflect on the past and present of Glendale’s communal fabric and interrogate current-day global human rights issues. ReflectSpace is housed in Glendale Central Library and online at ReflectSpace.org.
About Library, Arts & Culture
Founded in 1907, the Glendale Library, Arts & Culture Department includes eight neighborhood libraries including the Brand Library & Art Center, a regional visual arts and music library and performance venue housed in the historic 1904 mansion of Glendale pioneer Leslie C. Brand, and the Central Library, a 93,000 square foot center for individuals and groups to convene, collaborate and create. The department also serves as the chief liaison to the Glendale Arts and Culture Commission which works to continually transform Glendale into an ever-evolving arts destination. Glendale Library Arts & Culture is supported in part through the efforts of the Glendale Library Arts & Culture Trust (GLACT). For more information visit GlendaleLAC.org, or contact Library, Arts & Culture at 818-548-2021 or via email at LibraryInfo@GlendaleCA.gov.
With pushes for federal legalization, and more studies into its medicinal and wellness properties than ever, it’s only fitting that we’ve seen more and more functional cannabis products come to the market.
KANHA is the latest brand to make its entrance, and it’s a grand one! CEO Cameron Clarke spent years of hesitating to bring functional products to market, due to the science behind extraction methods for getting mass amounts of minor cannabinoids not being well-developed. However, KANHA assembled a team of scientists and triple-board certified physicians to tackle the problem. They consider KANHA’s newest release to be the next-generation of cannabis wellness tools, formulated with cannabinoids, terpenes and nutraceuticals to elicit specific moods.
The first functional line authentically developed by doctors features advanced formulas like ENERGY, SLEEP and LOVE that help consumers achieve their lifestyle goals.
Sunderstorm’s award-winning edibles brand is proud to welcome KANHA FX, a new line of functional gummies that heralds groundbreaking advancements in precision, innovation and targeted effects. Formulated by doctors to help consumers do what they love, KANHA FX launches with three fast-acting gummies: ENERGY, SLEEP and LOVE.
“The scientific community knows more about cannabinoids, terpenes and entourage effects today than it has at any time in history,” explains Cameron Clarke, CEO and Co-Founder of Sunderstorm. “As the science advances, our products will follow suit, and that commitment helps make KANHA FX the driving force behind the next generation of functional gummies. As industry leaders that leverage proven science in all of our products, Sunderstorm continues to follow the science to bring you the most effective cannabis products available today.”
Clarke, who studied science and engineering at Stanford and founded labs in San Diego and Berkeley, initiated the project by assembling a team of accomplished scientists, textbook authors, published professors and triple-board certified physicians. Through rigorous research and testing, the team developed formulas that elicit specific effects by harnessing an optimal entourage of cannabinoids, terpenes and nutraceuticals.
Among the standout products in the inaugural lineup, ENERGY helps you get more done with a precision 1:1 combo of THCv and THC paired with green tea extract and natural sativa terpenes. For those battling insomnia, SLEEP helps you drift into dreams with a soothing 3:2:1 blend of CBN, THC, CBD and indica-derived terpenes. LOVE, with a delicious blend of rose and raspberry flavors, sets the mood with a 2:1:1 entourage of THC, CBG and THCv paired with hybrid terpenes and green tea and damiana extracts.
Recognizing that no one wants a long wait for energy, dreams or romance, the entire KANHA FX line proudly features the only proven fast-acting technology in cannabis. The NANO in KANHA products is backed by peer-reviewed studies, affirming its rapid onset times and superior cannabinoid absorption.
KANHA FX redefines expectations with precision formulas that deliver the most-targeted effects in the cannabis market. The trio of LOVE, ENERGY and SLEEP is available now at KANHA and Weedmaps. Stay tuned to KANHA to learn more and for upcoming announcements about additional KANHA FX formulas and product categories.
About Sunderstorm
Sunderstorm, a trusted family of brands, is an industry leader in breakthrough innovation and scientific standards. Trusted by budtenders and consumers alike, the values-driven company introduced the first fast-acting edible in 2015 and the first edible line authentically formulated by doctors and chemists. Sunderstorm currently serves dispensaries in California, Massachusetts, Illinois and Nevada in addition to national e-commerce with KANHA Life.
The strike is over and Hollywood is back to work. Turns out 2023 was a very good year for the movies. On Sunday, March 10, the envelope will be handed out with the winners. The show, hosted again by Jimmy Kimmel and this year, the Oscars have an earlier timeslot and will kick off at 7 p.m. EST/4 p.m. PST. Prior to the awards show, a pre-show will take place at 6:30 p.m. EST/3:30 p.m. PST.
The Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, are a set of awards for artistic and technical merit in the film industry. Given annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the awards recognize excellence in cinematic achievements as assessed by the Academy’s voting membership.
There are options for viewing the Awards—here are just a few:
El Capitan Theatre: They host a special Oscars watch party where you can experience the glamour of the event on a big screen. It’s a unique way to enjoy the ceremony with other movie fans.
The Abbey Food & Bar in West Hollywood: Known for its vibrant atmosphere, The Abbey offers an Oscar viewing party that’s especially popular with the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a great place to enjoy the ceremony in a lively setting.
Oscars Viewing Party at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel: This historic hotel, situated just half a block away from the actual Oscars ceremony, offers a viewing party at its Library Bar or the Public Kitchen and Bar. Guests can watch the Oscars pre-show and see the stars arrive, making it a memorable experience close to the action.
So get out your cocktails, your pencils and money—let the ballots begin! You can download a usable ballot from here
The 2024 Oscars nominations feature a diverse range of films, performances, and creative efforts across various categories. Here are the highlights from key categories:
Best Picture
“American Fiction”
“Anatomy of a Fall”
“Barbie”
“The Holdovers”
“Killers of the Flower Moon”
“Maestro”
“Oppenheimer”
“Past Lives”
“Poor Things”
“The Zone of Interest”
Best Actor in a Leading Role
Bradley Cooper in “Maestro”
Colman Domingo in “Rustin”
Paul Giamatti in “The Holdovers”
Cillian Murphy in “Oppenheimer”
Jeffrey Wright in “American Fiction”
Best Actress in a Leading Role
Annette Bening in “Nyad”
Lily Gladstone in “Killers of the Flower Moon”
Sandra Hüller in “Anatomy of a Fall”
Carey Mulligan in “Maestro”
Emma Stone in “Poor Things”
Best Director
Justine Triet for “Anatomy of a Fall”
Martin Scorsese for “Killers of the Flower Moon”
Christopher Nolan for “Oppenheimer”
Yorgos Lanthimos for “Poor Things”
Jonathan Glazer for “The Zone of Interest”
Best Animated Feature Film
“The Boy and the Heron”
“Elemental”
“Nimona”
“Robot Dreams”
“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”
Best International Feature Film
“Io Capitano” (Italy)
“Perfect Days” (Japan)
“Society of the Snow” (Spain)
“The Teachers’ Lounge” (Germany)
“The Zone of Interest” (United Kingdom)
Best Visual Effects
“The Creator”
“Godzilla Minus One”
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”
“Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One”
“Napoleon”
This year’s nominations reflect a wide array of storytelling themes and techniques, showcasing both historical and contemporary narratives, animated features, and films that push the envelope in visual effects and production design
Fogo de Chão, the internationally-renowned restaurant from Brazil, invites guests to savor the exquisite Porterhouse cut as it makes a triumphant return to the Full Churrasco Experience for a limited time, starting today at all U.S. locations – including Puerto Rico. That’s right, good things don’t last forever!
Fogo de Chão continues to turn up the heat with their offerings. The Porterhouse, an indulgent cut that includes both a New York Strip and Filet that is cooked bone-in, and served sliced tableside, delivering a juicy and rich flavor with every bite. Seared over an open flame and meticulously seasoned with rock salt, the Porterhouse augments the diversity, opulence, and personalization of Fogo’s quintessential menu feature, the Full Churrasco Experience.
Courtesy: Fogo de Chaõ
Barry McGowan, Chief Executive Officer at Fogo, remarked, “As we continue to innovate and elevate the dining experience at Fogo de Chão, we are thrilled to introduce the premium Porterhouse cut as an indulgent addition to the Full Churrasco Experience. At Fogo, we are constantly innovating our menu to provide our guests with the most flavorful and nutritious options, all at an accessible price point.”
The Culinary Art of Churrasco unfolds as guests commence with a visit to the seasonal Market Table adorned with an array of fresh salads, plant-based proteins, charcuterie, and so much more. The heart of the Churrasco Experience, featuring fire-roasted proteins, remains a highlight during lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, presenting beloved selections such as Bone-In Ribeye, Lamb Chops, the celebrated Picanha—the prime section of the top sirloin—and now the premium Porterhouse.
Guests seeking to elevate their dining experience are presented with an array of options across all times of the day, including weekday lunches starting at just $18. With weekend brunch affairs, indulgent à la carte choices like the Dry-Aged Tomahawk and Wagyu New York Strip, chilled seafood selections, artisanal cocktails available during All-Day Happy Hour, and an assortment of award-winning South American wines Fogo de Chão makes for the best elevated experience, even when on a budget.
Gone are the days of mom’s old aromatherapy practices. Oils and sprays were nice, but what if the trusty candle did the trick in a new way?
In the latest breakthrough, Neuroscents – scents created to elicit emotional responses that are neurologically backed – are carving a new lane with Caftari. Caftari uses science backed formulas to elevate one’s well being, with a mission to help individuals lead happier and healthier lives through the use of fragrance. Caftari’s science-backed formulas are carefully crafted to support joyfulness and rejuvenation through Neuroscents, not just making spaces smell good, but leaving you feeling good, too!
This past November, Caftari entered the home + fragrance market with the launch of two mindfully scented candles – Elixir and Dolce. Caftari is elevating fragrance through science & wellness – by creating daily moments of mindfulness with scents designed to modulate brain waves and in moments of bliss, relief, and deep relaxation through science-backed formulations. Caftari candles are curated in a luxury ceramic vessel, and etched with the pattern of the specific brainwave that the candle hones in on.
Caftari’s leading candles are broken down below:
Dolce Far Niente: For a Glimmer of Bliss – Experience the Italian adage at home.
With its romantic and warm floral profile, this blend incorporates rose oil to encourage the release of serotonin, which promotes happiness and is present when we are daydreaming or practicing mindfulness.
Elixir:For a Bright Awakening – Reawaken your mind and body any time of day.
With its citrusy profile & purposeful aroma to light and encourage a sense of revival, this blend features bergamot essential oil, which promotes the release of endorphins, a neurotransmitter also known as the feel-good chemical.
Caftari’s Founder, Shreya Aggarwal, was born in India and immigrated to the US as a child, with her earliest memories linked to fragrance notes like her mom’s rose-scented hair oil & dad’s perfumed talc powder. Aggarwal always thought she’d major in Neuroscience, but eventually pivoted to pursue her passion for fragrance as a buyer in the industry. Throughout her career, Shreya noticed a lack of results driven, neuroscience-backed fragrance products created to address overall mental health and wellbeing. After suffering from her own anxiety and trying numerous different methods to tackle it, Aggarwal paralleled her love of fragrance and passion for neuroscience to create solutions with Caftari for her own needs and the similar needs of others.
To help breakdown how neuroscents work and enforce Caftari’s message and goal, they partnered with PhD and MIT Professor, Dr. Tara Swart, who answered a few of our questions. If you’re looking for insight into how neurotransmitters work on our brains, and more, keep reading!
Q&A With Dr. Tara Swart
Hi Dr. Swart! Caftari is not just your typical candle company, but something deeper. Can you explain how scent can modulate brain waves and impact mental wellbeing?
Dr. Swart: Caftari candles contain essential oils of sufficient potency, and proven by science to have beneficial effects on our mental state. These are known as neuroscents because they travel via the olfactory nerve to the memory and emotion centres of the brain evoking moods that correlate with the release of certain neurotransmitters and the relevant brain wave states.
What specific scientific principles support the idea of fragrances like rose oil and bergamot essential oil influencing neurotransmitter release?
Dr. Swart: Rose essential oil heightens the release of serotonin—a neurotransmitter renowned for its happiness inducing effects. Serotonin, the architect of alpha brainwaves, is released during moments of daydreaming or mindfulness, creating an ambiance of tranquility and joy. The Dolce Far Niente candle contains rose oil as a major ingredient. The Elixir candle’s fragrance blend includes bergamot and helps uplift mood. Bergamot essential oil stimulates the release of endorphins—the brain’s feel-good chemicals. Endorphins correlate with gamma brainwaves, and accompany heightened states of awareness.
How do different neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and endorphins, interact with brain waves, and how might this interaction be influenced by fragrance?
Dr. Swart: The release of various neurotransmitters leads to the brain producing the associated brain wave patterns. Molecules of the scents interact with the olfactory nerve through the nose and lead to neurotransmitter release into synapses in the memory and emotion centres of the brain which are deep in the brain behind the bridge of the nose and where the olfactory nerve travels to.
Do individual differences, such as genetics or personal scent preferences affect the response to neuroscented products, or does nearly everyone have the same brain-chemistry response?
Dr. Swart: The actual chemical response is broadly the same (particularly with natural and floral scents), unless there are particular memories that trigger a stress response, but the emotional response or memory induced will vary from individual to individual.
Can neuroscented products like these candles be used as complementary therapies alongside traditional treatments for anxiety or mood disorders?
Dr. Swart: They can be used as an additional element to creating a pleasant and calming environment but this cannot be compared to the efficacy of psychological therapy for actual mental health disorders. However, olfactory enrichment (being exposed to a variety of smells throughout the day) can help with cognition as we age.
In what ways might the field of neuroscience further contribute to the development of fragrance products aimed at improving mental health and wellbeing?
Dr. Swart: Further research into neuroaesthetics (the health, mental health and longevity benefits of beholding and creating beauty), the benefits of nature on well-being, and olfactory enrichment on neuroplasticity (the ability of the brain to grow and change throughout life) are key areas.
The great thing about living in Southern California is that we have detours in every which way—to the north: Big Sur, Santa Barbara, Oxnard, Ventura. To the south, we encounter Long Beach, San Diego, and Laguna Beach. And to the east: Lake Arrowhead and Crestline. Let’s not forget Idylwild and Palm Springs. All can be reached by car or train within hours. Ok, Big Sur might take half a day.
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara exudes a Mediterranean charm that makes it an ideal romantic escape. Take a leisurely stroll along the historic State Street, explore the picturesque wineries in the nearby Santa Ynez Valley, and enjoy a sunset cruise along the coast. The city’s beautiful Spanish architecture, combined with its vibrant culinary scene, creates a perfect backdrop for a romantic Valentine’s Day.
For couples who appreciate the rugged beauty of the Pacific coastline, Big Sur is a dream destination. The breathtaking views of the cliffs meeting the ocean provide an awe-inspiring setting. Explore the hiking trails in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, unwind in hot springs, and share a candlelit dinner at one of the area’s renowned restaurants. Big Sur’s natural beauty and serenity make it an ideal spot for a romantic retreat.
San Diego offers a diverse range of romantic experiences, from its pristine beaches to its vibrant urban atmosphere. Take a sunset stroll along La Jolla Cove, explore the historic Gaslamp Quarter, or enjoy a romantic gondola ride in Coronado. With its pleasant weather, San Diego provides the perfect backdrop for a Valentine’s Day filled with sun, sand, and love.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by heading to the serene mountain town of Lake Arrowhead. Nestled in the San Bernardino National Forest, this alpine retreat offers cozy cabins, charming bed and breakfasts, and scenic lakeside views. Enjoy a romantic boat ride on Lake Arrowhead, go hiking in the surrounding mountains, and cozy up by the fireplace in the evening.
Known for its artistic community and stunning coastal scenery, Laguna Beach is a romantic haven for couples seeking a blend of culture and relaxation. Explore the town’s art galleries, enjoy a beachfront picnic, and catch a breathtaking sunset at the iconic Crescent Bay Point Park. The intimate atmosphere and artistic vibes make Laguna Beach an ideal Valentine’s Day destination.
Sunday, April 14 will be the last day to view “Peace is Radical,” a solo exhibition by renowned street artist and activist Shepard Fairey, presented by 
The strike is over and Hollywood is back to work. Turns out 2023 was a very good year for the movies. On Sunday, March 10, the envelope will be handed out with the winners. The show, hosted again by Jimmy Kimmel and this year, the Oscars have an earlier timeslot and will kick off at 7 p.m. EST/4 p.m. PST. Prior to the awards show, a pre-show will take place at 6:30 p.m. EST/3:30 p.m. PST.
